Can you deal with the most vital matters by letting events take their course? Can you step back from you own mind and thus understand all things? Giving birth and nourishing, having without possessing, acting with no expectations, leading and not trying to control: this is the supreme virtue.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of acceptance, humility, and non-attachment in understanding life and demonstrating true virtue.
Laozi's quote reflects the philosophy of Taoism, which advocates for harmony with the natural flow of life. It encourages individuals to step back from their obsessive desires and ego-driven thoughts, promoting a state of being that values nurturing and guiding others without the constraints of ownership or control, which leads to a deeper understanding of existence and true virtue.
In practice
In a meditation class, to encourage mindfulness and acceptance of the present moment.
If you understand others you are smart._x000D_ If you understand yourself you are illuminated._x000D_ If you overcome others you are powerful._x000D_ If you overcome yourself you have strength._x000D_ If you know how to be satisfied you are rich._x000D_ If you can act with vigor, you have a will._x000D_ If you don't lose your objectives you can be long-lasting._x000D_ If you die without loss, you are eternal.
When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.
A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment.
In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it.
Rule your mind with serenity rather than with force and manipulation.
Prosperity is only an instrument to be used, not a deity to be worshipped.
The man was such an intellectual he was of almost no use.
I do not dwell on dreams I know how soon a dream becomes an expectation How can I have expectations? Look at me, No, Captain, Look at me, Look at me!
Correct meditation means correctly understanding your situation moment by moment - what are you doing now? Only do it! Then, each action is complete; each action is enough. Then no thinking, so each moment I can perceive everything just like this.
More time [to decide] without more information just creates anxiety, not insight.
Any general statement is like a check drawn on a bank. Its value depends on what is there to meet it.
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